RICHMOND, Virginia - Fresh off their home win to wrap up the regular season, the Salem women's basketball team headed over to Richmond, Virginia to compete in the USCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament. Salem made their tourney debut in style with a impressive 97-50 win over the Bobcats of Bryant and Stratton-Albany. 

For the first period, Salem initially had a back and forth game on their hands with both teams trading scores early on. However, once Salem got warm, they really took control of the contest. Offensively, they really worked the ball around the floor with Anete Bluma, Anna Machytkova, and Elena Pericic all getting key buckets in the quarter. At the end of the first, it was Salem leading the Bobcats 22-11. 

With a firm grasp on the game, Salem really controlled the pace of play as they entered the next period. Salem grew their lead to as much as 26 by the end of the period with a continued focus on team oriented basketball. Jamya Miller added the final basket of the first half, and Salem took a 51-25 lead into the locker rooms at half.

For the second half, the rout was on as Bryant & Stratton-Albany simply had no answers for the Salem offensive firepower. Kirsten Cross played well on the interior for the Tigers in this stretch, and Nerea Arambarri Fernandez facilitated the game beautifully from her point guard position all game. The Tigers maintained a 78-37 lead after 3 quarters. 

In the final frame, the game was clearly out of hand. Salem continued to dominate in all facets of the game, and they finished just 3 points shy of the century mark and a season high 97 points as a team. The 97-50 win was more than enough to see the Tigers on through to the next round. 

On the stats sheet, Salem was led by Anete Bluma with 31 points. Kirsten Cross finished with a double double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Rounding out the Tigers in double figures was Daniela Quesada and Anna Machytkova who each added 10 points. 

This big win earns Salem the right to move on in the tournament. That next contest will be a tough one as they are set to take on the #1 overall seed in the field, namely a Bryant & Stratton-Buffalo squad. That matchup is set for March 14th at 8 PM in Richmond, Virginia.